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07/28/2010 11:47 AM

Canada Ranks In Top 10 for Renewable Energy Investment

SustainableBusiness.com News

Canada is the ninth most attractive location in which to invest in renewable energy projects, according to Ernst & Young’s latest Renewable energy country attractiveness indices.

Canada retained ninth position out of 27 countries analyzed for their attractiveness for renewable energy infrastructure investment--increasing the score gap over Portugal and Ireland, both ranked tenth--driven by the stability and resilience of the Canadian financial system during the ongoing capital market challenges around the globe.

“Canada is holding firm while some others have slipped in an uncertain economic and regulatory environment,” said Stephen Lewis, leader of Ernst & Young’s Renewable Energy Advisory practice in Canada. “We’re seeing some significant activity that is increasing the share of renewables in Canada’s energy mix, but if we want to be seen as a market leader, more work will be required from all stakeholders in the industry.”

At a global level, Ernst & Young’s Renewable energy country attractiveness indices report that China invested a total of US$34.6 billion into its clean energy projects last year--almost double that of the US--and has now emerged as the world’s market leader in installed wind power capacity in 2009.

The top 10 all renewables index as of May 2010 includes the following countries:

According to the ranking, Canada is now only four index points behind eighth-placed Spain. The reduction of the score gap with Spain is driven by capital market concerns and proposed reductions to its solar incentives program, whereas Canada has made proactive improvements within its domestic market.

In Canada, a number of provinces are pursuing a “shift to green.” Ontario and British Columbia are prime examples: with recent policy in Ontario stimulating considerable activity across the renewable energy value chain, and British Columbia proposing a new Clean Energy Act, while BC Hydro has announced new power purchase agreements and further calls for projects.